[Edaily Reporter Yun Junghoon ] South Korea’s three major mobile carriers have simultaneously launched “Ray-Ban Meta,” AI glasses developed through a joint venture between Big Tech firm Meta and global eyewear company EssilorLuxottica, as they set out to capture the next-generation wearable AI device market. Their strategy is to expand the touchpoints for AI services—which have been concentrated on smartphones—to wearable devices in the form of glasses, thereby securing an early lead in the market.

According to the mobile communications industry on the 22nd, SKTelecom(017670), KTCorporation(030200), and LG Uplus(032640)all began selling Ray-Ban Meta that day. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is set at 690,000 won or 740,000 won, depending on the model and lens options. The three carriers are making an all-out effort to attract customers by offering a variety of purchase incentives, including dedicated rate plans, membership discounts, and device installment plans.

SKT, “Considering Integration with In-House AI ‘A.dot’”… Leading the Expansion of an AI Glass-Specialized Ecosystem

SKT is launching sales of Ray-Ban Meta through its official online store, T Direct Shop, and at six PS&M offline stores in key areas of Seoul and Gyeonggi Province (Jamsil Lotte, Daechi, IFC, Suwon Starfield, Euljiro, and Hwajeong Station).

The products SKT is initially launching consist of six models based on the highly popular “Wayfarer Gen2.” The lineup includes a variety of options, such as a matte black frame (with clear or gradient graphite lenses) and a shiny black frame (with green lenses). The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices are 690,000 won and 740,000 won (including VAT).

To improve accessibility, customers subscribed to the Best 109, Best Pro, or Best Max rate plans who opt for the smart device installment discount will receive a monthly discount of up to 12,000 to 24,000 won on their installment payments for 24 or 36 months.

SKT has set up demonstration areas at six offline stores to encourage customers to try the product firsthand, while also accelerating the development of services tailored to the AI glasses environment. In particular, the company is exploring various ways to launch specialized services that combine the voice- and camera-based interface of its proprietary AI service, “A.”, with AI glasses.

Koo Hyun-cheol, Head of the Sales & Marketing Division at SKTelecom, said, “The AI device ecosystem is rapidly diversifying beyond smartphones to include AI glasses and other devices,” adding, “We will continue to expand our products and services so that customers can enjoy new AI experiences without any burden.”

KTCorporation: “Experience Zones at 11 Stores Nationwide and 10% Membership Discount”… All-Out Effort on Retail and Rate Benefits

KTCorporation also began selling the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer model through its official online store, KT Direct Shop, starting today. It has significantly expanded consumer choice by offering a wide variety of lens options, including clear, green, polarized, and photochromic lenses.

KTCorporation has highlighted differentiated discount benefits for its customers. KTCorporation Membership customers are eligible for a 10% discount on purchases. Additionally, customers who sign up for the “Yogo 69 Plan, DEVICE Type B” through the KTCorporation Direct Shop can use the device for around 16,000 won per month (including VAT) on a 24-month installment plan.

The company is also accelerating the expansion of its offline distribution network. Starting next month, it will expand sales channels to general retail stores nationwide. Customers who wish to use both a smartphone and AI glasses simultaneously can sign up for the “Choice Double DEVICE” plan at general retail stores and purchase the devices at a reasonable price of around 7,000 won per month (including VAT, based on a maximum 36-month installment plan).

KTCorporation is operating experience zones at 11 major locations nationwide, including the Gwanghwamun Onmaeji Store and the Gangnam Avenue Store, to provide opportunities to experience key features such as Meta AI, audio, camera, and real-time translation.

Son Jeong-yeop, Executive Vice President and Head of KTCorporation’s Device Business Division, emphasized, “Ray-Ban Meta is a product that marks a turning point where AI technology extends beyond smartphones into everyday eyewear,” adding, “Through plan benefits and hands-on experience spaces, we will support more customers in experiencing the era of differentiated AI wearables.”

LGU+, “Up to 80% Off with ‘Mania DEVICE’ Benefits”… Unbeatable Value-Oriented Offers

With the launch of Ray-Ban Meta (Gen2), LGU+ has unveiled its “Mania Device” promotion—an unprecedented device discount program—to target value-conscious consumers.

Two models are available: the standard model (manufacturer’s suggested retail price of 690,000 won) and the polarized lens model (manufacturer’s suggested retail price of 740,000 won). Customers can choose from matte black or shiny black frames, and clear, green, or graphite polarized lens options.

The “Mania DEVICE” benefit, introduced to significantly reduce the cost of purchase, applies to a 36-month installment plan. Subscribers on standard rate plans can receive a discount of up to approximately 51%, bringing the monthly cost down to 9,357 won (for the standard model), while the polarized lens model offers a discount of up to approximately 48%.

Customers subscribed to high-tier plans (such as the 69 and 65 plans) are eligible for discounts of up to 80%. By taking advantage of this, customers can own Ray-Ban Meta for a monthly payment of approximately 3,857 won for the base model and, for the polarized lens model, with a discount of up to approximately 75%.

Lee Hyun-seung, Executive Vice President in charge of DEVICE/Seg at LG Uplus, stated, “Ray-Ban Meta is a medium through which customers can experience AI technology most naturally in their daily lives,” adding, “We will continue to actively introduce differentiated telecom-linked benefits and device lineups to expand customer choice.”